What are the causes of low oil pressure?
3 Answers
The causes of low oil pressure are: 1. Insufficient oil in the oil pan; 2. The viscosity of the oil is too low; 3. The spring force of the pressure relief valve is insufficient or improperly adjusted; 4. Severe oil leakage in the lubrication system pipeline; 5. The oil fine filter is damaged and leaking; 6. The oil pump is excessively worn or faulty; 7. The oil pressure gauge or sensor is malfunctioning; 8. Excessive clearance in the fitting parts such as main bearings, connecting rod bearings, and camshaft bushings. The method for changing the oil is: 1. Lift the car, remove the guard plate, and place a container of about 10 liters under the oil drain screw; 2. Loosen the oil drain screw, blow air into the oil filler port with an air gun for two minutes, tighten the oil drain screw after draining, and wipe and check for oil leakage with a paper towel; 3. Reinstall the guard plate and lower the car, then use a funnel to align with the oil filler port to add oil.
The main reason for low oil pressure is internal engine issues, such as aging or damage to the oil pump, which prevents the pressure from rising. I often encounter this when repairing cars. Excessive bearing clearance can cause too much oil leakage, leading to a drop in pressure. A clogged filter is also a possible cause, as dirt can block oil flow. Insufficient oil level or oil leaks are common issues. The check is simple: first, see if the oil level on the dipstick is adequate. If it's low, top it up and use a good brand of oil to avoid it being too thin. An engine that's too hot can also thin the oil, causing pressure to drop, so timely cooling system checks are necessary. It's advisable not to ignore the warning light; stop the car and check to prevent major repairs.
Last time my car had an oil pressure warning light flashing, indicating the pressure was too low. After analysis, it was found to be due to insufficient oil or an oil leak. Sensor false alarms are also a factor, as sometimes the gauges are inaccurate. Using low-quality oil can't maintain proper pressure, especially worse in hot weather. Regular DIY oil and filter changes can prevent this, and I've developed the habit of checking the oil level monthly. Older cars with severe engine wear are also prone to such issues, but simple maintenance can extend their lifespan. Always address abnormalities immediately—safety first.
